Stewart Creek #470

The Stewart Creek Trail #470 begins at the Stewart Creek Trailhead, traveling south through the northeast portion of  La Garita Wilderness, and ending at Skyline Trail #465 within the Wilderness.  The Skyline trail is part of the Continental Divide National Secnic Trail and the Colorado Trail. On the Forest Service map, approximately the last mile is numbered as Forest Trail #465.5A which takes you down the south side of San Luis Peak to intersect with the Skyline Trail.  This trail is in the La Garita Wilderness for its entire length, so Wilderness Regulations do apply.  It parallels Stewart Creek for several miles where it passes picturesque beaver ponds.  The trail is well used and easy to follow and the gain in altitude is gradual.  Around the tree line the trail will head southwest to a saddle between San Luis Peak and Organ Mountain.  Continue west to the summit ridge and follow the ridge another half mile to the summit.